Swimming buoy



Sept. 8, 1964 o. P. CONVIS 3,147,498

SWIMMING BUOY Filed April 2, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l BY m aw ATTORNEY Sept. 8, 1964 o. P. CONVIS 3,147,498

SWIMMING BUOY Filed April 2, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 02w LLE P, Com/\s BY GL QWM ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,147,498 SWING BUOY Orville P. Convis, 58 Woodward, Battle Creek, Mich. Filed Apr. 2, 1962, Ser. No. 184,225 11 Claims. c1. 9-310 This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in swimming equipment, and more particularly to a novel swimming buoy.

Life saving is now becoming a complex and scientific procedure, with highly trained life guards being at swimming areas. Formerly, about all that was available would be a typical doughnut-shaped life preserver which could be thrown to a drowning person, or a life jacket which a person could wear when he actually went swimming. There were also available what is known as water wings which beginners could wear as an aid to learning how to swim. It was a recognition of the shortcomings of such equipment in the field of training swimmers as well as in the science of life saving which led to the conception and development of the present invention which deals with a scientific piece of apparatus adapted for use by life guards and skin divers, as well as beginners in swimming.

Accordingly among the objects of the present inven tion is the-provision of a swimming buoy which will comfortably support a swimmer in either a floating or partial swimming position, the swimming buoy being provided with a recessed top portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer and having separated side edge top grooves for the swimmers arms, the swimming buoy also having a forward chin rest whereby the swimmer may lie in a comfortable position and either be towed while so lying on the swimming buoy or may propel himself or her self either by paddling or by kicking the feet, or both, if desired.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel swimming buoy which may be used by life guards and others for towing persons in water, the swimming buoy being in the form of a hollow elongated float which is provided with a recessed top portion for receiving the chest of the swimmer, the float also having a forward portion provided with a chin receiving recess to comfortably support the head of a swimmer, and in addition, the forward portion of the float being provided with recessed hand grips to facilitate the holding onto of the swimming buoy by the swimmer being towed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel swimming buoy for. supporting a swimmer either in a practice position or in a towed position, the swimming buoy being in the form of a float which is of a hollow construction and which is readily adaptable to being formed of either a relatively soft high strength plastic, such as polyethylene, or other types of plastic and rubber products which permits the inflation and collapsing of the swimming buoy as desired.

A'further object of this invention is to provide a novel swimming buoy for swimmers to aid in the flotation of a swimmer, the'swimming buoy being in the form of an elongated hollow float which is preferably formed of a soft, high strength moldable plastic material, such as polyethylene, the float being initially formed in two pieces with the bottom wall of the float being formed separately from the remainder thereof and preferably sealed to the remainder of the float so that it is impervious to the reception of water, and the float additionally being provided in the interior thereof with flotation elements, ifdesired, the flotation elements being in the form of closed bubble foam plastic, Ping-pong balls, or the like.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel swimmers float on which a swimmer may lie with 3,147,498 Patented Sept. 8, 1964 the swimmers chest pressing against the float, the swimmers float additionally being provided with a rearwardly projecting bottom wall portion having transversely eX tending and aligned openings therein for the selective reception of a swimmers hands or feet wherein the swimmers float may be utilized either for the purpose of sup porting the forward portion of a swimmers-body while practicing the use of the feet, or for supporting the feet of a swimmer while practicing the use of the arms.

Another object of this invention is to provide a suitable swimmers buoy which may be utilized as a signal buoy by skin divers and the like, the swimmers buoy having a socket therein for receiving the staff of a signal flag whereby the buoy may be readily sighted from a distance.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel swimming buoy which maybe used in life saving operations and the like, the swimming buoy being in the form of an elongated float intended to support the upper portion of a swimmer, the float being provided with a transversely extending flexible strap which is provided with bulbous end portions snappable into and out of sockets formed in the swimming buoy, the swimming buoy being formed of a resilient material to permit this attachment and removal of the strap.

Still further objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the-foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain means for carrying out the invention, such disclosed means illustrating, however, but several of various ways in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In the annexed drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of the swimming buoy and shows the same with all of the possible accessories thereon.

FIGURE 2 is a rear perspective view of the swimming buoy with the accessories removed therefrom.

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, looking in the direction of the arrows, and shows the specific details of construction of the swimming buoy.

FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the swimming. buoy with portions thereof broken away in order to more clearly illustrate certain of the details of the construction thereof, the view being taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 3, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIGURE 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 55 of FIGURE 3, looking in the direc-' tion of the arrows, and shows further certain details of construction of the swimming buoy.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view, with parts shown in section, of the connection between one end of the flexible strap and the swimming buoy.

FIGUREV is a transverse vertical sectional view similar to FIGURE 5 and shows the interior of the swimming buoy provided with flotation means.

FIGURES 8, 9 and 10 are schematic side elevational views showing several. uses of the swimming buoy.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that the swimming buoy is generally referred to by thenumeral 11 and consists primarily of a float, generally referred to by the numeral 12. The float 12 includes a flat bottom wall 13 to which there is connected an upstanding front wall 14, upstanding side walls 15 and an upstanding rear wall 16. As is best shown in FIG- URE 5, the side walls 15 are generally of a C-shaped cross-section. The front wall 14 is rounded both transversely and vertically, whereas the rear wall 16 is substantially vertical and is connected to the bottom wall 13 forwardly of the rear end thereof.

The rear wall 16 is much shorter than the front wall 14 so that the float 12 has a longitudinal wedge-shaped configuration. An upwardly and forwardly sloping top Wall 17 extends between and is connected to the front wall 14- and the rear wall 16 and the side walls 15. A major portion of the top wall 17 is recessed, the rear portion of the top wall 17 being recessed and being in the form of a recessed top wall portion 18. This recessed top wall portion 18 is disposed below the upper edges of the side walls and together therewith defines a chest receiving cavity 19.

In the use of the swimming buoy 11, it is intended that a swimmer rest with at least his or her chest disposed Within the chest receiving cavity 19. In order to provide suitable clearance for the swimmers arms, the side walls 15 are provided with arm receiving recesses 20, as is best shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. One convenient size of the swimming buoy is 26 inches long in the body portion, and has a rear extension 24 about four inches long and approximately three quarters of an inch thick. The front of the body portion may be about seven inches high while the rear is about three inches high and fourteen inches wide.

In order that the head of a swimmer lying upon the float 12 may be properly supported, the front wall 14 is provided with a centrally located chin receiving recess 21, as is best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. Also, in order to facilitate the gripping of the float 12, when desired, the front wall 14 is provided with recessed grip portions 22, as is best shown in FIGURES 1 and 4.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the float 12 is formed in two pieces, the bottom wall 13 being formed separately from the remainder of the float. These two pieces are suitably molded of a relatively soft plastic material, such as polyethylene. The bottom wall 13 is suitably sealed in fluid tight manner to the side walls 15, the front wall 14 and the rear wall 16 so as to prevent the entrance of water into the interior of the float 12. However, as is best shown in FIGURE 7, the flotation properties of the float 12 may be assured by filling the same with flotation means 23, which may be in the form of small bubbles of foamed plastic or rubber, or even a plurality of Ping-pong balls, and the showing in FIGURE 7 is intended to diagrammatically illustrate same. In addition, if so desired, the float 12 could be formed of a relatively flexible plastic or rubber material which could be inflated and collapsed as desired.

The swimming buoy 11 would be usable if it consisted only of the components set forth above. However, in order to increase the value of the swimming buoy, the bottom wall 13 of the float 12 has a rearwardly projecting extension 24. The extension 24 extends rearwardly beyond the rear wall 16 and is thus provided with a pair of transversely extending and transversely aligned recesses 25. The recesses 25 are of sufficient size to selectively receive the hands and feet of a swimmer. As is best shown in FIGURE 8, when it is desired to practice the use of ones feet in a swimming stroke, one may grip the extension 24 with the float 12 aiding in the support of the forward portion of the body while the swimmer kicks his feet. On the other hand, the feet and legs of a swimmer may be supported by the float 12 by placing the swimmers feet through the recesses 25 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 9 to aid in the supporting of the body while practicing arm strokes.

As is best shown in FIGURES 1, 3 and 4, the front wall 14 is also provided with a transversely extending, relatively deep recess 26. The recess 26 is disposed between the recessed grip portions 22 and below the chin receiving recess 21. The recess 26 has a transversely extending bar 27 extending thereacross. The bar 27 may either serve as a hand gripping handle to facilitate the carrying and towing of the float 12, or a suitable tow rope 28, FIGURE 1, having a forward strap-like end 29 4 may be secured to the bar 27. A typical use of the tow rope 28 is illustrated in FIGURE 10, where it is utilized for towing a swimmer lying on the float 12. One convenient size of the tow rope 28 is seven to nine feet long, while the forward strap-like end 29, may, for instance, be eighteen inches long. This size tow rope and end portion is very satisfactory since end 29 will fit the towing persons neck and shoulder, while the tow rope 28 is long enough so that as the towing person swims he will not kick the float 12.

The swimming buoy may also be utilized for marking purposes. To this end, the top wall 17 forwardly of the recessed top wall portion 18 and at one side of the front end of float 12 is provided with a depending socket 341. The socket 30 removably receives a staff 31 of a signal flag 32. It will be readily apparent that when so equipped, the swimming buoy 11 may be usable in salvage operations or by skin divers, and for other purposes.

It is also proposed to provide the float 12 with a flexible strap 33, FIGURE 1. The strap 33 extends transversely across the float 12 at the front portion thereof and is secured to the top wall 17 generally at the front end of same near the intersection of same with the front wall 14. The ends of the strap 33, FIGURES 1 and 6, are provided with end fittings 34 which terminate in bulbous ends 35. For each of the end fittings 34, the top wall 17 is provided with a downwardly directed projection 36 in which a shouldered socket 37 having an access opening 38 is formed. It is to be understood that the float 12 is formed of a resilient material so that the bulbous end portion 35 may be snapped into and out of the socket 37. This strap 33 may be passed over the back of the neck of the person resting on the float to help hold him in place even when unconscious or semi-unconscious as in the case of a rescue of a drowing person.

From the foregoing, it will be readily apparent that there has been provided a suitable device for the intended purpose. Although perferred features of the swimming buoy have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that minor modifications may be made therein within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined herein and illustrated in the drawings.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of those explained, change being made as regards the apparatus herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side and front walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall.

2. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side and front walls projecting'up above said top Wall recessed portion, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall, said float being generally wedge-shaped in longitudinal section with said front wall being of a greater height than said rear wall.

3. The swimming buoy of claim 1 wherein said front wall is rounded both vertically and transversely to facilitate the movement of said float through Water.

4. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion and having arm receiving recesses therein, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall, said front wall having hand grip forming recesses therein on opposite sides of said chin receiving recess.

5. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion and having arm receiving recesses therein, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall, said front wall having a second recess below said chin receiving recess, and a grip bar extending transversely of said float across said second recess.

6. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom wall, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion and having arm receiving recesses therein, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall, said bottom wall having a portion projecting rearwardly beyond said rear wall, said rearwardly projecting bottom wall portion having a pair of transversely extending and aligned openings therethrough for selectively receiving hands and feet of swimmers.

7. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion and having arm receiving recesses therein, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall, said float being of a molded construction with said bottom wall initially being separate from the remainder of said float and sealed in finished form to said side walls, said front wall and said rear wall.

8. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall, said float having flotation means therein.

9. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the the chest of a swimmer, said side walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion and having arm receiving recesses therein, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall, a socket transversely carried by said top wall forwardly of said recessed portion and projecting down into the interior of said float, and a flagstaif seated in said socket.

10. A swimming buoy comprising an elongated float having a bottom, side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a top wall having a recessed portion for receiving the chest of a swimmer, said side walls projecting up above said top wall recessed portion and having arm receiving recesses therein, and a central chin receiving recess in the upper portion of said front wall to receive and support the chin of a swimmer with the face and eyes of the latter supported for viewing above and forward of said front wall, transversely aligned sockets in said top wall forwardly of said recessed portion, and a transverse strap having ends seated in said sockets.

11. The swimming buoy of claim 10 wherein said float is formed of a resilient material with said sockets being expansible to removably receive said strap ends, and said strap ends being of a bulbous configuration.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 988,830 Smith Apr. 4, 1911 1,310,119 Harper July 5, 1919 1,510,532 Zorn Oct. 7, 1924 1,552,603 Hawks Sept. 8, 1925 1,709,050 Wright Apr. 16, 1929 1,758,289 Loy May 13, 1930 2,389,729 Howland Nov. 22, 1945 2,717,399 Backhouse Sept. 13, 1955 2,894,270 Manthos July 14, 1959 2,896,889 Hershberger July 28, 1959 2,931,332 Hebrank Apr. 5, 1960 2,946,068 Jasper July 26, 1960 3,037,220 Jantzen June 5, 1962 3,042,945 Saeman July 10, 1962 3,085,356 Wayfield Apr. 16, 1963 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,007,294 France Feb. 6, 1952 

1. A SWIMMING BUOY COMPRISING AN ELONGATED FLOAT HAVING A BOTTOM, SIDE WALLS, A FRONT WALL, A REAR WALL AND A TOP WALL HAVING A RECESSED PORTION FOR RECEIVING THE CHEST OF A SWIMMER, SAID SIDE AND FRONT WALLS PROJECTING UP ABOVE SAID TOP WALL RECESSED PORTION, AND A CENTRAL CHIN RECEIVING RECESS IN THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID FRONT WALL TO RECEIVE AND SUPPORT THE CHIN OF A SWIMMER WITH THE FACE AND EYES OF THE LATTER SUPPORTED FOR VIEWING ABOVE AND FORWARD OF SAID FRONT WALL. 